26 Oct 2017

In just a few weeks you will have completed high school, exams and all the drama that comes with being a teenager. So where to go to next? While schoolies seems like the most obvious answer, for some of us it’s not the best use of time and money; especially if you’re not up to a week of expensive accommodation, getting hammered, and waking up each morning with the mother of all headaches. So what are your other options

1. Road trip it

Whether you take the wheel yourself or go with friends, road tripping is probably one of the most liberating experiences you can have to celebrate twelve years of schooling. It is the time to chase the sun until it dips behind oceans or mountains which, greeting you with billions of stars in the sky. It’s cheaper than booze, the equivalent of soul searching, and, just like the sunsets you chase, the perfect ending to first big chapter in your life. It makes perfect sense.

2. Travel solo

Apart from the sightseeing, potential of new friends, exposure to incredible cultures and immense gain of independence, you’ll learn how to trust yourself, rely on yourself, and see the world through a cosmopolitan lens. Of course, it’s definitely not the cheapest option, but is money really everything? And there’s definitely perks of travelling poor.

3. Work

It’s boring, tiring and if you work in fast-food, hospitality or retail, it’s obvs not the best use of your time when it comes to having fun (except for cool co-workers). However, hard-cold cash never fails to produce a fun time. Once school’s out, you’ve got an estimated 8-10 weeks of chill time, it’s the Christmas period, there’s probably a thousand shows ready for you to binge watch, and you’ve got nothing academic on your plate, doesn’t it make sense to fill up them pockets before the assessment avalanche hurdles down the mountain?

4. Go with the flow

For the first time in twelve years there is no weight on your shoulders. You are free, in no need to hurry, stay organised or follow a schedule. Take each day as it comes–you’ve finished high school, so you can do whatever. If it’s hot out one day, head to the beach. If you’re feeling like a drink, head to the valley, and if you wake up tired one day, sleep in till 1pm. Sometimes spontaneity is a thousand times better than planning something out.

5. Volunteer

Sometimes there is nothing more rewarding than giving back–whether it be to kids, animals, the elderly or charities. Knowing that you have helped out in some way, shape or form, can make anyone’s day. Many organisations which love volunteers include: RSPCA, Salvation Army, children’s hospitals, elderly homes, soup kitchens, dog shelters and childcare centres. Once again, 8-10 weeks of freedom. You can do anything now–why not put it to good use?